Alternative approaches for skin irritation during chemotherapy treatment | Medical News Today
In the course of undergoing chemotherapy, patients may encounter various skin-related issues. Here, we provide information on a common skin toxicity, Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS), and offer advice on skin care and sun protection.
Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS)
HFS, also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a skin toxicity caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. It results from the toxic effects of chemotherapy agents on the skin of the hands and feet. HFS is caused by exposure to specific chemotherapy drugs, including capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, and some targeted therapies.
Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Patients may experience tingling, burning sensations, numbness, or blistering. The rash can lead to difficulty with fine motor tasks and walking due to discomfort.
Prevention measures include regional limb cooling during chemotherapy infusion, which can reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, potentially preventing or lessening HFS severity. Skin self-care, such as moisturizing, avoiding heat and friction, and protecting affected areas, can also help reduce irritation.
For severe cases, dose reduction or interruption of the causative chemotherapy drug may be necessary. Some evidence supports adjunct therapies such as topical steroids or pain relief medications. Exercise programs and possibly acupuncture might help improve nerve function and symptom relief in related conditions like chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which often co-occurs or overlaps with HFS.
HFS is recognized as one of the prominent dermatologic toxicities associated with chemotherapy and requires careful monitoring to balance effective cancer treatment and quality of life.
Sun Protection
Protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is essential for chemotherapy patients. The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion offers SPF 50+ protection and contains no parabens or synthetic fragrance. The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sun Lotion provides SPF 55 protection and features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to prevent sun damage and sunburn.
For those with sensitive skin, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is free from fragrances and parabens and is suitable for year-round use. Its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, offers 24-hour hydration without leaving the skin feeling oily or sticky. The Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash is a fragrance-free oatmeal body wash suitable for daily use on sensitive skin.
Skin Rash Management
Chemotherapy can cause a painful skin rash. Patients can treat it by using gentle, fragrance-free skin care products and wearing loose-fitting clothes. The Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment is a product that contains colloidal oatmeal and is suitable for those with skin rashes, eczema, insect bites, and chickenpox. It aims to gently cleanse and moisturize sensitive skin.
If a skin rash does not improve with creams or ointments or if the itching does not disappear within a few days, it is recommended to consult a cancer care team. Doctors may also recommend medications, such as topical or oral corticosteroids or antibiotics, to ease skin rash symptoms.
It is crucial for chemotherapy patients to seek medical attention if their cancer medications cause side effects that negatively affect their daily life.
The Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment is available for around $7, and the Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash is available for around $14 for 33 ounces.
Staying informed about skin-related issues and taking proper care of your skin can help you manage side effects and maintain a better quality of life during chemotherapy treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and treatment options.
- Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS), a skin toxicity caused by certain chemotherapy drugs, can result in redness, swelling, and pain on the palms and soles, as well as tingling, numbness, or blistering.
- Regional limb cooling during chemotherapy infusion and skin self-care measures, like moisturizing and protecting affected areas, can help potentially prevent or lessen the severity of HFS.
- For severe cases of HFS, dose reduction or interruption of the causative chemotherapy drug may be necessary, and some evidence supports adjunct therapies such as topical steroids or pain relief medications.
- Protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is essential for chemotherapy patients, and the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides SPF 50+ protection without parabens or synthetic fragrance.
- For those with sensitive skin, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is suitable for year-round use and offers 24-hour hydration without leaving the skin feeling oily or sticky.
- The Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment, containing colloidal oatmeal, can help manage a painful skin rash that can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.
- It is crucial for chemotherapy patients to seek medical attention if their cancer medications cause side effects that negatively affect their daily life, and doctors may recommend medications like topical or oral corticosteroids or antibiotics to ease skin rash symptoms.
